Ocala Civic Theatre: Education Department-Class Brochure

The Ocala Civic Theatre Education Program provides young people opportunities to explore and develop their interests and lay a solid foundation in all aspects of theatre arts. Classes and workshops promote self-confidence, communication, creativity and service, as well as give students the necessary skills to grow as artists, actors, technicians and individuals. Our goal is for each child in our program to find his or her own voice and sense of play in a non-competitive atmosphere. The teaching staff is comprised of professional theatre artists who have extensive experience as instructors, performers and directors, and who are recognized for their excellent rapport with students and their ability to inspire and motivate young people.

Click here to get the 2010 Fall Class Schedule

Frequently asked questions:

Is financial aid available for students?
Financial aid is available for those who demonstrate true financial need. Applications are available at the theatre and on our website. For more information, contact the Education Director at 352-236-2851 ext 107.

What time should I arrive?
Please arrive approximately 10 minutes early, especially the first day of class so you and your student may meet the teacher and fill out a student emergency medical form.

What if my child needs to miss a class?
Please let us know in advance if your child will miss any classes so that the teacher can adjust his or her lesson plan accordingly. Refunds cannot be made for missed classes.

Can parents sit in and watch the class?
In order to help students let go of their inhibitions and develop a strong stage presence, we ask parents not to accompany their child to class, as it is often disruptive to the students. You may either wait in the lobby, or leave and pick up your student at the end of class.

What time should I pick up my child?
Parents should arrive shortly before class ends to pick up their student. The pick up/drop off point is the Theatre’s front entrance. Our first priority is your child’s safety. Students will not be permitted to wait outside. Please be prompt. If you are late and the teacher needs to wait with your child, a strict penalty of $25/extra 15 minutes will be imposed.

Will there be a performance at the end of classes?
Some have a “Sharing Day” on the last day of class for family and friends that may wish to observe. This may be an informal performance, a reading of a script, or they might simply share with you something the class has worked on. NOT EVERY CLASS WILL PRESENT A
“PLAY” OR OTHER PERFORMANCE FOR SHARING DAY. Each instructor will design a sharing day based on the needs and skills of the class. If a performance is planned for sharing day, this performance is intended to be very informal and almost always done without lights,
sets, props or costumes.

Will my child need to memorize lines?
Memorization is encouraged for most presentations. Assisting your child in memorization is a wonderful shared experience, especially children with limited reading skills. If a performance of a short play is planned, you can expect some prompting, directions, or suggestions from the teacher. Please remember – this is an informal presentation and the class has had limited time to prepare for sharing day!

Theatre skills are life skills!
Our classes are very carefully planned to match the skill and emotional level of the student. For that reason, we only place students in classes within their grade range. The first day of class, you can ask for information on what to expect from any class.